Corfu in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary

Corfu is one of the greenest islands in Greece, and it feels noticeably different from the Cyclades. Olive groves and cypress trees fill the hills, and the old town has a Venetian character that reflects centuries of Italian rule. Three days is enough to see the main highlights, combining the historic capital with a swim in the west, a palace visit and a slower afternoon on the north-east coast.

Day One: Corfu Old Town and the Liston

Start in Corfu Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow lanes are lined with churches, bell towers and small shops, and the atmosphere is distinctly Italianate, from the pastel-coloured buildings to the menus and café culture. Walk the Liston, the arcaded promenade modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, which is lined with cafés and is ideal for a late morning coffee or an early evening drink.

Spend the morning wandering the old town's backstreets, where you can find church interiors, craft shops and local food stores. Visit the Old Fortress, which sits on a headland overlooking the harbour and was built in several phases under Venetian rule. Its moat, bridges and sea walls make it a good place for views over the town and the Ionian Sea.

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For lunch, look for places serving local dishes rather than only tourist fare. Pastitsada, a slow-cooked meat dish usually made with beef or chicken and a rich tomato and spice sauce, is a Corfiot speciality and is often served with pasta. In the evening, return to the Liston for dinner, then finish with a walk through the lit-up streets of the old town.

Day Two: The West Coast, Paleokastritsa and Its Bays

Dedicate the second day to the west of the island. Paleokastritsa is the most famous area, a series of small bays set among steep, wooded cliffs with clear turquoise water. The bays are reached by boat or on foot, and the landscape is among the most dramatic on Corfu. Swim, snorkel or simply sit on the rocks and enjoy the views.

Above the bays is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, perched on a hilltop and reached by a short climb. It is a peaceful place with a small museum and views along the coast. Dress modestly if you plan to go inside the church. Some visitors also enjoy a boat trip along the coast to see caves and quieter coves that are hard to reach by road.

Plan for a relaxed afternoon here, as the road to the bays is winding and parking can be busy in high season. If you are staying in the centre, a coach trip or a taxi is the simplest option. Many travellers combine the afternoon with a long, unhurried lunch at a seaside taverna.

Day Three: Achilleion Palace and the North-East Coast

On your final day, start with Achilleion, the palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, in the late nineteenth century. Its gardens are filled with statues, including a well-known sculpture of Achilles, and the views across the island are excellent. The palace is a short drive from the town, and the gardens are best enjoyed slowly, especially in the cooler morning hours.

After the palace, head north-east towards Kassiopi and Agios Stefanos. This part of the island is quieter than the west, with small fishing harbours, pebble and sand beaches, and tavernas by the water. Kassiopi has a lively harbour front, while Agios Stefanos is a tranquil spot with a small beach and a seaside church. Both are good places to spend the afternoon swimming and eating fresh fish.

Before you leave, try kumquat liqueur, a distinctive Corfu product made from the small citrus fruit that grows widely on the island. It is sold in many shops and makes a good souvenir.

Getting Around Corfu

Corfu Airport is located right next to the town, which makes it convenient for arrivals, and there are many direct flights from European cities in summer. Ferries cross from Igoumenitsa on the mainland in about 1.5 hours, and there are also international ferries from Italy. Buses are the most practical public transport: the green KTEL intercity buses connect most resorts and villages, while the blue town buses serve Corfu Town and nearby areas. Renting a car or scooter gives you the most freedom, especially for the northern and western coasts, but roads can be narrow and winding.

Practical Tips

• Book accommodation early for July and August, as the island is busy.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the old town's uneven stone streets and the monastery steps.
• Carry some cash for smaller tavernas and bus tickets, and check locally for current payment options.
• Check bus and ferry timetables locally before you travel, as schedules change by season.
• Visit the palace and monastery in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Bring swimwear and water shoes, since some beaches are pebbly and rocky.